England win but show sign of immaturity

Published October 15, 2001

HOBART (Australia) Oct 14: England pounded South Korea 5-3 Sunday in the second round of field hockey’s Junior World Cup, but showed signs of immaturity in the process.

England held a 4-0 advantage with 20 minutes to play but the Koreans came back with three goals in 13 minutes to give the young Englishmen a lesson in the dangers of complacency.

A penalty stroke to England in the final seconds resulted in the 5-3 scoreline which, based on their second half performance, flattered them.

Also in Pool E, Germany beat Spain 2-1, while in Pool F, India and Argentina drew 2-2 and Netherlands demolished Australia 4-2. The top two teams from these pools play in the semi-finals next Friday.

In the bottom half of the tournament, South Africa defeated Chile 3-2 in a closely fought Pool H match and Scotland drew 1-1 with Malaysia. In Pool G, France defeated Ireland 1-0 and Canada upset New Zealand 2-1.

England take on Spain on Monday, while India meet Australia. Chile play Scotland and Ireland face up to Canada.

Collated results:

Pool E

England 5 South Korea 3

Spain 1 Germany 2

Pool F

India 2 Argentina 2

Australia 2 Netherlands 4

Pool G

Ireland 0 France 1

Canada 2 New Zealand 1

Pool H

Chile 2 South Africa 3

Scotland 1 Malaysia 1

—AFP